Tgas: Wine. Champagne. Pinot Noir. Chardonnay. blanc de blanc.
THE BRIBIE WINELANDER – WINES
The consumption of wine on a regular basis has now become a very important part of the Australian way of life.
It was not too many years ago beer was the choice of most and where wine was drunk it tended to be quite sweet. Over recent years we have become more adventurous with our choice of beverages, so I thought it would be helpful to give you some information with regards to wine styles which may give you some help when choosing your next purchase. Over the next months, we will look at different styles and try to offer suggestions as to what food to serve them with.
If you have any queries please drop me an email on [email protected] and we will find the answer and include them in our articles as others may be thinking along the same lines. The first wines we will look at are sparkling wines.
With Christmas just around the corner, many will be considering sparkling wines for this occasion, as sparkling wines are a great start to any event and as ever there is a choice to suit any budget.
At the top end, Champagne has always had an aura about it and rightly so. It is the benchmark for all sparkling wines and Champagne will always be Champagne and no other sparkling wine can now carry this title. Even in France, only wine produced within the district of Champagne can carry the title, however, I have noticed the Americans still insist on using the term.
The main grape varieties used in Champagne making are Pinot Noir for body, Pinot Meunier for fruitiness and aroma, and Chardonnay for freshness and elegance. Champagnes made totally from Chardonnay are called blanc de blanc. Most Champagnes are nonvintage (N.V.), which means blending from different cuvees keeping the style consistent.
Some do carry the vintage though, and it would be wise to check on the growing conditions of that year before buying. Thank goodness for Google! Sparkling wines from other countries include Cava from Spain, Prosecco from Italy, and Sekt from Germany. The value of The Australian Dollar in recent years has made Champagne the most affordable it probably ever has been, meaning a massive increase in sales.
The other day I bought a bottle from a chain store that was their exclusive label for around $25, which would be the cheapest I have ever seen and I have to say for the price it wasn’t bad! It is even possible to buy Veuve Clicquot and Moet Chandon on special for around $50 per bottle with PiperHeidsieck and Tattinger under $40, however with the dollar value changing you should buy now to save!
Grandin isn’t a bad alternative if you want French at a lower price but always consider a good Australian instead.
Good Australian alternatives:
PREMIUM:
- House of Arras Brut Elite Cuvee
- Grant Burge Pinot Chardonnay
- Jacobs Creek Reserve Chardonnay Pinot Noir
- Chandon N.V. (related to Moet Chandon)
- Jansz Non Vintage
- Brown Bros. Prosecco VALUE:
- Seppelts Fleur De Lys N.V.
- Omni N.V.
- Yellow Glen N.V. Yellow
- Jacobs Creek Pinot Chardonnay Cheers!
Other Articles
https://thebribieislander.com.au/wine-prices/
https://thebribieislander.com.au/wine-makes-merrier/